September 22-30, 2012 - Original Health Articles

Mental health and mental illness fall on a continuum and there is no clear dividing line between what is normal and what is unhealthy. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) define mental health as a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his own abilities, can cope with normal life stresses, works productively and fruitfully, and is able to contribute to his community.

How do you know if that burning, tingling, pain or numbness in your hands is carpal tunnel syndrome or not? Your doctor can put them to the test. Here are six tests to diagnose Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Your carpal tunnel is the bone and ligament passageway at the base of your hand that's home for your median nerve and tendons.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease with vague and diverse symptoms. Not surprisingly, this means it's difficult to accurately diagnose and fraught with misconceptions. Here are a few false beliefs, along with the facts. Anyone can have lupus. This is true.

Suicide is a significant—and growing—public health problem. Between 2000 and 2009, suicide rates increased and in 2009, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) ranked suicide as the 10th leading cause of death. The increase in suicides may be partially due to ongoing U.

What's the difference between a migraine and a sinus headache? For a surprising number of headache sufferers, it's hard to tell them apart. It's even worse when patients with migraine and sinus headaches receive the wrong medical treatment. Here's how to tell them apart: The Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health says true sinus headaches are actually quite rare and are usually associated with sinus infections, which are also called sinusitis.

What's the difference between everyday aches and pains and chronic pain? If you live with chronic pain, you know the answer to that question is complicated.  The American Chronic Pain Association provides this definition for chronic pain: Chronic pain can be described as ongoing or recurrent pain, lasting beyond the usual course of acute illness or injury or more than 3 to 6 months, and which adversely affects the individual's wellbeing.

If you're living Parkinson's Disease, you may wonder whether exercising is a wise idea. The answer, say many experts, is yes. Physical activity may slow the progression of the disease and confers other health benefits as well. "Exercise can give you greater strength and independence," says Steven H.

Are you doing all you can to avoid the spread of germs? Follow these common sense rules and tips to protect yourself from making the most bacteria-filled mistakes while out on the town. Mistake # 1: Don't sneeze into your own hands and then touch something others will touch.

German researchers at Technische Universität München's (TUM) Klinikum rechts der Isar and Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen may have uncovered a potential new approach to cancer treatment. The research study was published in the journal Cancer Cell.

Parkinson's disease, a neurological disorder that causes tremors, coordination problems, and difficulties with walking and speech, is most common in individuals over age 50. However, it does occur in younger adults, too. In fact, some 10 percent of the 1 million Americans with Parkinson's are diagnosed at a young age, and they're considered to have young-onset Parkinson's, according to the National Parkinson Foundation.

Next time you want to quench your thirst, how about foregoing the soda and other sugary drinks and instead down a tall glass of cold water or another healthy alternative? Your body may thank you later. There's been much attention in recent years focused on the negative effects of sugary drinks.

Most people don't like to think about their parents becoming more fragile and being unable to fend for themselves. But as they age, the reality is that they could need your assistance with a variety of health issues. This can quickly become overwhelming, especially if you're also struggling to keep up with your own responsibilities.